There has been insufficient action regarding the illegal ‘tagging’ and general defacement of buildings in the city, according to property consultants Stiles Harold Williams.
Thousands of pounds per year can be spent on just one property to remove the scrawlings, only for them to be replaced within days.
Recent press coverage has focussed on some of the more creative and eye-catching street art in the city, but many areas of Brighton and Hove are covered with ‘tags’ and ugly, thoughtless doodling.
It is clearly displayed on the BHCC website that “it is illegal to graffiti on any surface without the owner’s permission.”
SHW Partner Robert Perry said of the situation: “We can all applaud the satirical artistic merit of Banksy and his ilk, and some street art in Brighton & Hove is well done. However, a large proportion of it is just tagging which is an expensive blight on the city and its’ commercial and residential property owners.
“In 28 years’ property management in the city I’ve never known it as bad as this. Repeatedly trying to keep these buildings clean uses up valuable time, resources and money – and we would appreciate greater support from the council and police alike in dealing with the issue.”
